A South Carolina couple was arrested in early June after returning from a vacation to Florida. Authorities charged the pair—34-year-old AIicia and 41-year-old Jusstin—with three counts of ill treatment of animals and one count of unlawful neglect of a child. Each of them was granted a bond set at $25,000.
The Start of the Investigation
The investigation began on May 27, when police officers and animal control were dispatched to the family’s home in South Carolina. Upon arriving, they were greeted by the couple’s 17-year-old daughter, who answered the door. The teenager contacted her parents, and after receiving their permission, officers entered the home.
Inside, authorities discovered disturbing living conditions. They found three live dogs and 39 live cats, along with several dead cats scattered throughout the house. The floors were covered with animal feces in various areas, and in a freezer without power, investigators found approximately 20 more dead cats.
Parental Neglect and Arrests
Authorities quickly noted that the living conditions were hazardous for both the animals and the teen. Arrest warrants revealed that the parents had left for their Florida vacation and left their daughter alone in these unsafe conditions, which they reportedly knew about. The situation was deemed dangerous for the minor, leading to their eventual arrest on June 10, after the parents returned home.
The couple posted bond later that day, with each paying $25,000. The couple’s daughter remains in protective custody under the care of local authorities while the investigation continues.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials, along with animal control, are working to determine the specifics of the situation. They are investigating how long the animals had been deceased, whether the deceased animals were strays or owned by the family, and if the living animals suffered from neglect.
There have been no public statements from the couple, and it remains unclear whether they have provided an explanation to the authorities.
The charges against them reflect the seriousness of their actions—three counts of ill treatment of animals and one count of unlawful neglect of a child—due to the dangerous conditions their daughter was left to endure.
Concerns and Legal Process
As the investigation progresses, prosecutors will decide whether to file additional charges as new evidence is gathered. At this time, there has been no indication of legal representation or statements from the couple.
The teen has not been reported to have suffered any injuries, but authorities are continuing to assess her well-being following the incident. This case raises significant concerns about parental responsibility and the welfare of both children and animals, especially in regard to the supervision of minors in hazardous environments.
As the court process continues, more details about the living conditions, the parents’ actions, and the care of the surviving animals will likely emerge.